The One Where I Recap the Craziest Year of my Life.

I started WIM about 5 years ago now and every year I write a post in December recapping what came about in my life that year. 2011 by far was the craziest year with the most extreme highs and extreme lows I have ever gone through.

Lets recap shall we?

January

- Planned on starting 2011 fresh from all the craziness that happened in 2010 and spent most of my time going to the gym and I even started training again to do another triathlon.

- It didn't last long because...

February

- slipped on the ice on a random Monday, broke both bones in my lower left leg. Had to have emergency surgery and have a steel rod and screws put into my leg. Couldn't walk for the next 2 months.

- A week after breaking my leg, I was "let go" from my job. (illegally).

- Lost most of my independence (or at least it felt like I did), at 27 years old I had to have my mom help me in and out of the shower, and I even had to have my roommates help put my socks on for me when I was cold because I couldn't bend my knee. Having one leg broken, the other being used for balance and both arms and hands being used to hold yourself up on crutches is hard. its damn hard.

- Spent the rest of the month on my couch, pretty much depressed and feeling sorry for myself.

- A few weeks after breaking my leg the disastrous Tsunami in Japan happened. Since all I could do was sit at home anyways and watch TV, I watched A LOT of the news coverage. The very next day I got my sorry ass up off the couch and realized that I had only broken my leg. I was going to recover and everything would be fine eventually. I had no reason to be depressed. A million and one worse things could have happened to me. I could lost my entire world around me like the people in Japan. Or worse, my actual life. From that point on I wasn't going to feel sorry for myself and I was going to take advantage of every day.

March

- Spent most of the month recovering. Tried my best to get around on crutches. By the end of the month the doctor told me I could try to walk again.

- Attempted to apply for jobs but it was really hard to apply for jobs when i was having issues getting around and still couldn't drive either.

April

- Still limping around, I started working shifts at my part time job. It worked out well for me as they were short shifts and it made for an easy transition back to working.

- The opportunity to go to Bloggers in Sin City in May came about. I had tried to convince other blogger friends that I know to go with me but there were no takers, so I did what any unemployed smart person would do... I booked a flight and at the very last minute registered myself to go to Vegas with 67 strangers. I didn't know it at the time but it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

May

- My best friend of 15 years got engaged and I was blessed enough to help her now-fiance plan a big surprise and pull off what was a romantic and extremely sweet proposal/engagement party. (read this for more details).

- A few weeks later I got on a plane, a little scared (okay... more than a little) and went to Vegas to meet some A-MAZING people!! I feel that that trip gave me my spark back. I felt like I had lost a little of myself over the last few years and doing something that spontaneous and kinda crazy gave me my zest for life back.

June

- One of my very close friends told me she decided to move back home to Ontario in a month. I didn't take it very well at first. And then...

- The very next day my other very close friend told me she was leaving her husband and going to move back home to Montreal, THAT DAY. I was torn because I knew she was unhappy here but I was devastated to learn that another person in my close support group was leaving.

July

- I finally got a full time job and things started to look like they were getting back to "normal" for me. Boy was I wrong...

August

- In one weekend, (yes... all in one weekend) a friend of mine who is married confessed that he was in love with me and told me that he wanted to leave his wife and that entire part of his life to be with me. Although I care deeply for this friend I would never do that. Ever. Then later on that exact same night I went out to celebrate a friends birthday and ended up meeting someone that would completely steal my heart.

- I spent the rest of the month falling head over heels for him.

- I also ended up going for coffee with my old roommate/ex-best friend who I really didn't want anything to do with BUT her and I are both in my best friends wedding party together and I needed to clear the air between us. I would say it was semi-successful. Things are civil now which is great but its not like we are friends again.

September

- This new guy who stole my heart... broke it. Then stole it again. Then broke it once more.

- I went to Las Vegas again with my family to celebrate my moms 50th birthday.

- I surprised my dear friend who lives all the way on the other side of the country by showing up for her bachelorette party weekend in Niagra Falls.

October

- I let myself to get over the heartbreak that took over my summer and ended up meeting someone new. Someone wonderful.

November

- Went to Toronto to attend the most beautiful wedding I have ever seen let alone could even imagine on my own.

- I reunited with 3 of the sweetest, most genuinely beautiful and kind souled women I have ever known. (3 lovely ladies that moved across the country from me over the last 2 years).

- Most importantly I learned that no matter the distance between you, true friendships will prevail.

December

- I turned 28 and was blessed by all the love that surrounded me.

- Had what was probably the best Christmas ever.

- Realized that the best part of my year was the last 2 months... and I'm hoping the magic continues on into 2012.

Christmas at Chez Mich...

28.

Yesterday was my 28th birthday.



I’ve learned that by the age of 28 you know who is important in your life. They will be the ones to call you to wish you a Happy Birthday, even if it’s just a 30 second phone call from across the country. They know that hearing their voice for those 30 seconds will make your day. The people who care will send you a birthday card (an actual physical one you can hold in your hand and have for years). They will put in more effort than just a facebook wall post. That one phone call or one card is a million times better than 50 wall posts.

I’ve learned that age is nothing but a number… and although that number is getting higher, so is my count of amazing memories and times of laughter with the people I love.

I’ve learned that broken hearts heal. And that when you question, even for a second your importance on this earth God will send you a sign to remind you just how special and loved you truly are.

I’ve learned that you are going to have to deal with rude, stupid, ignorant people in your life but you have to do just that, deal with them and move on. It will make you stronger in the end.

I’ve learned that just because I have a blog doesn’t mean I have to post anything. It’s my own little corner of the internet and I can post whenever and whatever I want. On that note… I’ve also realized that this is my blog and I shouldn’t have to censor what I write incase certain people read it and they don’t want to be mentioned. Guess what… you are/were in my life and if you were part of something I feel like blogging about I am going to do it. Deal with it. If you don’t like what I have to say then stop reading.

I’ve learned that you can’t ever predict what life is going to throw your way so be prepared for curveballs. It’s what makes it all interesting.

I’ve learned that love can move mountains.

And most importantly I’ve learned that it will all be okay in the end. And if it’s not okay, its not the end.

What have you learned in your time?

The Online Dating Saga...

Say what? I have blog? Oh right!! I almost forgot. That's perfect because I have a few stories to share.

So remember those blog posts I wrote earlier this summer all about the fantastic guy I met and how I was so head over heels smitten for him? Well he broke my heart. Enough said. Moving on.

So i signed up for online dating. I have gone out with on dates with 3 guys so far.

Bachelor #1 - meh... thats all.

Bachelor #3 - (yes i skipped #2... we will get to him....) he's funny and sweet and has the same sense of humor as me and so far things are moving along just lovely. After the heartbreak this summer I am taking things slowly and as they come and so far things with Bachelor #3 are great. If things continue you will definitely be hearing more from him. (Quick note - I was his date to a halloween party and he went as Craig the Spartan Cheerleader - aka Will Ferrels the perfect cheer character from SNL - and did the cheers all night. How awesome is that, right?)

Bachelor #2 - We talked for about a week and then he asked me out. He got tickets to the football game and it was a great first date idea. I wasn't really feeling like I would date him again though but he was a really nice guy and i didn't want to write him off completely. I mean we have all heard of those couples that are married now who one of them wasn't into the other at first right? (cough, cough, Farah... ). Anyways we talked a lot by email. So Halloween weekend i was super busy. I went on 2 dates with Bachelor #3 including the Halloween party and then on the Sunday I was suffering from the worst hangover known to man-kind. Bachelor #2 had sent me a few texts over the weekend but I either didn't respond or said I was really busy.

Monday morning came around and I was alive again after surviving my jello shooter induced hangover and I sent him an email to see how his weekend went. No response. Didn't phase me one bit actually. Then Tuesday I go into work to an email basically saying how he was mad that I didn't respond to him all weekend and how he thought I was rude at the football game (????) and how he didn't want to talk to me anymore. Well I guess he stayed home sick on Monday and sent that email late Monday night, before he went into work on Tuesday and saw my email. As I was reading his harsh "break up" email another one from him came through apologizing profusely for his previous email and saying how now he DID want to talk to me blah blah freakin blah. And 5 minutes later another email came through... saying the same things all over again.

I was extremely busy at work and was in meetings all morning so when I came back to my desk 2 hours later to see 2 MORE emails from him I was beyond annoyed. I didn't even know what to say really. On my lunch break I started typing out a response and yet again... another email came through from him.

I guess he wasn't listening when I told him flat out prior to our date that I didn't want any pressure.

Moving on...

Its the little things...

It’s the little things that take your breath away. Like when you go to his house for the first time and there is a note posted on the fridge with your birthday that’s 5 months away on it and he says he thought it was important so he should write it down.

It’s the little things that warm your heart. Like when you tell him how someone stole the blueberries for your breakfast out of the fridge at work and when you get home from work that night there is a little bag with blueberries waiting at the door just for you.

It’s the little things that make you know he will protect you. Like when he holds your hand and watches your every step so you don’t fall when you are walking back down the mountain after a long hike up and your still healing broken leg is getting tired.

It’s the little things that make you realize how happy you are. Like when a coworker says you haven’t stopped smiling all day and that makes you smile even more.

It’s the little things that make you feel this is something special. Like when he always holds your hand when you are in the car.

It’s the little things that amaze you. Like when after only knowing him for 2 weeks he meets your parents. And you can already tell they love him. And when you guys leave he tells you how it wasn’t weird at all meeting them so soon.

It’s the little things that fill you with excitement. Like when you get lost in a gaze looking at him and wonder “where have you been my whole life?”

Note to self:

Dear Mich,

I know you are freaking out inside about meeting up for coffee with your old roommate /ex-best friend tomorrow. I know that you wouldn’t be meeting with her if it wasn’t for the fact that both of you are going to be in your best friends wedding party together and you don’t want awkwardness for all of the upcoming events that you not only have to attend together but plan as a cohesive team together as well.

I know it kills you inside that even after two years she still didn’t call you to try to sort things out and you still had to be the one to make the call for this meeting.

I know that it tears you apart that she won’t ever fully comprehend the hurt and pain she caused you. And that even after all this time she probably still doesn’t even care.

But what you, dear Mich, need to remember is that you are in a wonderful place in your life. You have the most amazing circle of support around you. You have a great job that you look forward to going to every day. You have a wonderful new man in your life that fills every ounce of your day with sunshine. And you are stronger and more confident then you have ever been in your entire life. You are doing fantastic.

This meeting with her is something so miniscule that it can’t even touch the happiness you experience everyday. If it goes good then great, everyone is happy. If it doesn’t then great too! You know that whatever you will say will be honest and from the heart. If she doesn’t get it then that’s her own issue. You can’t control that.

Hold your head high tomorrow. Remember that everyone who picked you back up when she kicked you down two years ago are all still behind you. And the new people you have added to your life since are right there too.

Everything will be okay.

Sincerely,

Mich

Unexplainable.

She walked into the bar.

Two friends at her side.

One of them celebrating his birthday.

The reason why they came to this bar in the first place.

He says someone he knows is also at the same bar.

The three of them walk around to find this person she has never met.

She spots a tall, handsome man across the room.

He is wearing a white collared shirt, jeans and dark framed glasses.

Something about him draws her in.

Her friend is still searching for the person he knows.

She prays he's at the same table as the guy in the glasses.

Her friend finally spots his friend...

Her heart skips a beat as he heads over in the direction of the man she's so curious about.

He's at the same table as the guy in glasses.

They get introduced and eyes lock immediately.

She is taken back by the instant attraction.

She puts her purse down on the table and pulls up a chair.

They strike up a conversation.

The rest of world fades away....

This & That Summer Recap (so far...)

Oh hey there...

I've been completely MIA from the blog world over the last 2 months because I have been insanely busy and more importantly soaking up as much summer fun I possibly can.

In short form:

- I finally got a new job and its fantastic!

- I get to walk home everyday from work for about an hour which makes me so ridiculously happy. I get to soak up the sun, I get to work on strengthening my leg (mostly my knee at this point), I get to de-stress and listen to my music in my own world after work everyday. Needless to say its brought my happiness levels up about 20 notches.

- Two of my dear friends moved away to the other side of the country. Two. With in a month. It sucks the big one because they are amazing, wonderful, loving friends and I will miss seeing them as much. But... Love Liberates so I will love them if they are here, or if they are on the other side of the world.



- I have been going to summer festivals, and swimming again, and running, and rafting, and hiking, and enjoying every possible outdoor/physical activity I can do at this point.

- I booked a few trips including one to Vegas with my family for my moms 50th bday next month.

- I fulfilled my teenage dreams but seeing NKOTBSB in concert and it was insanely fun. To the point where I lost my voice the next day from screaming of excitement.

- I've started helping my best friend plan her wedding.

- I have seen Horrible Bosses twice already... its epic. GO SEE IT NOW!!

- I have a million other things I want to blog about but I can't... some days (like today) I wish my blog was still anonymous so I could just spill it all. But in time I will...

- Also, I may have met the most special person I will ever meet in my life... more on that later...

There are signs everywhere... pay attention to them.

Yesterday was a rough day for me emotionally as it is every year (read yesterdays post to understand why). I went to church in the morning for my best friends baby's christening and then after that I called my family to see what they were doing. My parents and grandparents were outside of the city visiting the accident where my sister passed (I have never been out there to this day and I don't plan on it anytime soon, she didn't LIVE there so I feel I have no need to see it, also... I don't want to see the place she died, I think that image would haunt me forever) so I made plans to have dinner with them when they came back into town. This left me with a few hours to kill on a Sunday afternoon alone. I decided to go to the mall.

I was in a store trying on a whole bunch of pants and getting really frustrated because nothing was fitting right. After what was probably the 15th pair I got flustered and threw them on the bench and said to myself "Why am I even here??? Why am I in this stupid change room??"

Weird right? Who asks themselves "Why am I in this change room?"

I started putting my own clothes back on when I saw something shiny stuck between the bench cushion and the mirror. I picked it up and it was a loonie (that's a $1.00 Canadian coin for you American readers). I didn't think much of it and put it in my wallet. As I was putting my wallet back in my purse I stopped, hand still on the wallet, and had this strange feeling come over me that I NEEDED to look at the coin. It almost felt like there was a hand or something stopping me from taking my hand back out of my purse.

Now, I have heard many times that coins can be a sign from "the other side" but never had any situations before that made me believe it... until yesterday. (google coins from heaven if you have never of heard of this before)

I took my wallet back out of my purse and took the coin out to look at it.

The year on the coin was the year my sister was born, 1987.

I sat and looked at it for a few minutes and realized... that's why I'm in this change room. My sister knew how much I was missing her and she needed to remind me that she's still here watching over me.

I called my mom right away and cried.

Believe what you want, but in my heart I know the significance of it. Also... I am keeping that coin in a separate pocket of my wallet and I never plan on spending it.

"Although, the sun will never shine the same, I'll always look to a brighter day"

7 years.
84 months.
364 weeks.
2555 days.

Thats how long it has been.

7 years ago today I lost the younger version of me.
My sister.

One would think that after 7 years it would be easier to write a post like this but as I write this tears are streaming down my cheeks.

As I look through her pictures deciding which ones show her cute little dimples and her spirit the most, I can't help but break down crying. It's day 2555 with out her. Every single one of those days I have wanted to call her and tell her something about my life.

I always wonder what she would be like today?

She would be 24 years old now. She was taken from this world at 17, before she became an adult. Before she ever had the opportunity to get married, or have children... or even graduate high school.

She never knew what it was like to work for any place other than a restaurant. She never knew about blackberrys or twitter or my blog. She never knew about Avatar or So You Think You Can Dance or Lady Gaga (yet I know she would love all of those things). She never got to see me complete my triathlon. She didn't get to come and watch movies all day with me when I broke my leg. I never got to take her out to celebrate her 18th birthday or buy her a drink and dance the night away with her. She never had her first apartment. Or her own pets. Or her own car.

There's a million things she never got to experience. But she did however, get to be my little sister for 17 years. She got to experience 17 springs, summers, winters and falls. 17 birthdays. 17 wonderful years with countless memories.

17 years is not enough... but its what we were given with her and I cherish every single one of them.

I miss her yesterday, today, tomorrow and every day for the rest of my life. Although the memoires of her get me through, the void will never be filled.

These are a few of my favorite things! - Vol. I

Danish Coin Pendant Necklace.

My Grandma and I are very close, very much alike and if I turn out to be half the woman she is, my life will be complete.

A few months ago I was over visiting with her and she was trying to decide on which jewelry to pack for the cruise she and my Grandpa are going on. That, of course, turned into her going through ALL of her jewelry for 2 hours. She came across a little pink velvet satchel and didn't know what was inside. When she opened it she said "Oh my! I haven't seen this in years!".

Turns out it was a Danish coin turned into a necklace. Back in 1963, when my grandparents still lived in Germany, my Grandpa had to go to Denmark for work. He bought this for my Grandma when he was there and she wore it for years but when they moved it got packed away and forgotten about.

I was taken by the necklace. By its simplicity and uniqueness. I kept asking more and more questions about it. She put the necklace in my hand and said "its yours now".

I wear it all the time (seriously, chances are if you have met me I am wearing it). I love that its something that no one else has. I love that its from my grandparents who I adore and admire beyond words.

(heads)

(tails)

(the coin rotates inside too which is a bonus because I'm always playing with it!)

Ps - Leah? Nat? Does the white hand look familiar?

Kitchen on a budget.

I have been renting my place for a year and a half now... and I *finally* got myself a kitchen table. Yay for me being a grown up!!

Since I have the tiniest area to put a table and a miniscule budget due to the fact that I'm still on the search for a full time job this was quite the daunting task.

I originally posted HERE about how I wanted something/anything green in my kitchen. I searched and searched... and searched for green chairs or even unpainted chairs that I could paint green myself but had no luck. I did find the perfect chairs on my hunt but they were $189 each and sadly that is not in my budget at this time. I looked on kijiji for weeks and found many bar stools but no chairs. I never thought it would be so hard (twss!).

But alas.... yesterday I found all the pieces that put my kitchenette together!!

(i hate that eye-sore black cord... i wish i could hide it some how)

-White table from Ikea - $39.00

(its actually supposed to be a desk but it works perfectly! you could even get white legs for the table and get the price down $29.00)

-2 White chairs from Ikea - on sale right now for $10.00 each!

- Green table runner from Ikea - $4.99

(they have them in a few colors including pink, blue and yellow but THIS was the very last green one that the Calgary Ikea had, I even had to get the girl to take it off the display for me)

-Purple place mat from Bed, Bath and Beyond - $2.00

- Green fruit bowl from Walmart - $1.50

- Pink flower picture from... surprise, surprise... Ikea - $10.00 for the picture and $19.99 for the frame.

Thats a whopping total of $97.48!!!!

Table and decor for less then $100.00.... I'm amaze-balls.

(Ikea had a different but very similar kitchen table set with 4 of the same chairs that I got selling for $119.00... even if I got 2 more chairs I would have still had a better deal!)

So... who's coming over for dinner?

Grandma has a girlfriend???

Odd story for you...

Last summer I went to a funeral with my mom for a family member on my Dad's side of the family. When we were there we chatted with my dad's cousin. I hadn't seen him in years and he was very close with my dad when they were teenagers.

A few days later I was having dinner with my parents when said cousin came up in conversation.

Dad: You know... I always had a feeling he was gay.

Me: What?? Really??

Dad: Yeah... when we were younger I just thought he was.

Me: Well I don't think so. He was even telling us about how he has a cabin and he goes there with his girlfriend all the time.

Mom: Well... that doesn't mean anything, Grandma was married to your dads dad.

Me: I just don't see that... wait.... WHAT??

Mom: What?

Me: What did you just say???

Mom: About what?

Me: Did you just say Grandma was married once? As in... shes gay?

Mom: (just gives me a look of confusion)

Me: .... so you're saying Grandma is gay??

Mom: You didn't know?

Me: NO!! I mean... it makes total sense when you think about it... but how am I JUST finding out about this now?

Dad: Who did you think *insert grandmas girlfriends name here* was?

Me: ........Her roommate? I just thought they were two divorced older women who were lonely and didn't want to live alone. So... they are a couple?? What the hell??

My parents: (laughing at my "roommate" comment)

Me: How is it that I'm 26 and JUST being told about this now???

Mom: I don't know... we thought you knew?

This little bit of information shook me to the core. How was it that at 26 years old the topic of my grandmothers sexuality preference finally comes out?? It baffled me. I mean looking at the whole picture it completely made sense. My grandma divorced my grandpa when my dad was 2 and has never had a male companion for as long as I have been around. She has always lived with *insert girlfriend name here* since I can remember and shes sort of a plaid wearing, men's haircut, not feminine in anyway kinda woman.

I love her the same and it doesn't change my feelings of her as my grandma but its was just strange that that's just how I thought it was... her and her roommate.

I found out later that when she came out, it was in the 70's and society wasn't as accepting as they are now so my dad was embarrassed by the whole concept. He never talked about it and apparently it took him a long time to even tell my mom when they were first dating.

It makes me wonder though... what else don't I know about my family?

Summer Wish List

Vintage-style bathing suits. So adorable!

Anything and everything Nautical!

A cute little (since I don't have a lot of space) kitchen dinette. Something colorful/green/CUTE would be perfect!

(this one would be so ideal if you knew what my kitchen looked like, too bad I found these photos on google and its not actually available anywhere)

A vintage bicycle!! Preferably colorful and WITH a basket.

Anyone else notice the vintage theme going on here?

Also... anyone know of somewhere I can find all or any of these things in Calgary without it costing me an arm or a leg. A flea market?? I only know of the Calgary Farmers Market and I never have luck there for finds like this.

Reunions.

A high school reunion should be something one would look forward to. Especially someone like me who had a great high school experience. I had tons of friends, I didn't have any traumatizing experiences (except "Kelly's party" at the end of Grade 11... we don't need to go there). I actually had an amazing time through out my high school years.

But I have zero interest in going to my 10 year reunion this month.

I feel that Facebook has changed the whole point of a reunion. Anyone that I cared to find out how their lives are or what they are up to, I'm already friends with on Facebook. I can look them up at any given time. There's no questions anymore of "I wonder if so-and-so is married or has kids" or "I heard what-his-name moved to Morocco, is that true??". It's all on Facebook for the world (or your friends) to see.

Maybe the real reason I don't want to go is because I have grown up. And by growing up I mean I grew OUT of those so called friends I had in high school. You know... the ones you said you would stay in contact with "forever!!" and haven't seen since the day you graduated. Or maybe you stayed in contact with them, and eventually became roommates which eventually led to the biggest fight/end of a friendship you have ever known and you are still not completely over it because it took your whole life as you knew it and threw it into a whirlwind of chaos and heartbreak and you know that SHE is gonna be there and put on a show of how *perfect* her life is and you will just feel awkward the whole time and probably leave just hating her even more...

Maybe.

No matter what the actual reason is, I just don't feel like going. My best friend is trying to convince me to go with her saying that I might regret not going in the long run.

Thoughts? Did you go to your reunion? Or if its coming up soon, will you?

My first "Ten on Tuesday"

I have seen quite a few bloggers posting their "Ten on Tuesday" posts so I figured I would give it a go around. I haven't pre-read any of the questions so here we go...

1. From your childhood, what do you miss most about summer vacation?

Thats easy... the fact that it was 2 months long and all the slip & slides I would set up in my backyard with my sisters and all the neighborhood kids.

2. Are you going anywhere on vacation this summer?

Not that I am aware of. I went to Vegas for BiSC and that was a spontaneous booking so who knows what else will be sprung upon me this summer. I would LOVE to go to Kelowna for a long weekend and enjoy the sunshine, beaches and beer. Nat? You reading? Lets do it!

3. What foods do you like to barbeque?

Im really good at grilling veggies. Especially asparagus or corn on the cob. AND I just saw a new little trick for grilling corn on the cob when I was watching The View yesterday so I can't wait to try it out. Thank you Guy Fieri!

4. How do you celebrate the Fourth of July?

I don't. Im Canadian. LOL But Canada Day is only a few days before. I have mixed feelings about Canada Day. My mixed emotions have nothing to do with it being Canada Day (I am a PROUD Canadian) but the fact it was the same day that my sisters funeral was held on. So every year I am proud to be Canadian but sad to remember what happened on that day for me personally.

5. What's your favorite beverage to drink in the summertime?

Now its frozen Mojitos thanks to The Flamingo hotel and BiSC. Other than that its my tried and true drink, Gin & 7up (which... side note... I just learned is the same thing as a 7&7 so now I'm gonna order it my by that name and sound more grown up!)

6. What movie are you looking forward to seeing this summer?

Bridesmaids, and I saw it already. It didn't disappoint. I almost fell out of my chair laughing so hard during the airplane scene. Go see it.

7. In the car: Windows down or AC?

Sunroof open ALL THE TIME!

8. Have you ever had a summer fling?

Yes. Summer is the perfect time for romance. I hope to have one this summer too! Any takers?

9. Do you wear sunscreen?

If you were around me at the pool in Vegas you know that I was sunscreen crazy! I did NOT want to get burnt like I usually do on vacation so I was reapplying every hour. Spray on sunscreen is a god-sent.

10. Do you have any favorite summertime activities?

Stampede (obvs!), playing tennis in the sunshine, going for a run by the river just before sunset, rafting down the river, bbq's and bonfires, getting my drink on with my friends on a patio. I love summmmmmer!!!

The post every single girl should read.

I heard this story from my massage therapist a few weeks ago and this story has stuck with me (by stuck with me I mean terrified me forever) so I decided I should share it with all of my blog friends.

The story is about a girl who recently went to the Dominican on a vacation. While she was there she had a fling with one of the workers at the resort.

On her second last night there, he asked her to go back to his house to "party Dominican style" with him. She really liked him but she felt uneasy about it so she said she would think about it and let him know. She went back to her room and talked to her friend about it and her SMART friend talked her out of going.

When she got back home the next week she was having some down-under-lady-issues so she went to her doctor to get checked out. He did the normal tests and said he would get back to her in a week or so.

The very next day he called her and said he HAD TO see her that day. She obviously went in (probably freaking out inside) and the doctor asked her:

"Do you have a significant other?".

"No."

"Have you been sexually active recently?"

"Yes..."

She proceeded to tell him about her Dominican fling. He instantly asked what the Dominicans name was, what resort he worked at, if she knew where he lived and if she knew if he was active with anyone else.

You're probably thinking right now what I thought when I heard this story for the first time. OMG she has AIDS???

Worse.

The doctor proceeded to tell her she had a disease that one can only get from having sex with dead people.

You read that right, dead people. Process that for a moment...

Eventually police found the guy and raided his house where they found bodies of 3 tourists.

There are so many disturbing things to this story. First, he was obviously having sex with the bodies and then with her (and probably other women at the resort too), and if her friend hadn't talked her out of going to his house, she would have been the next victim.

Im not saying that this happens all the time, I'm saying it CAN happen. This world is full of crazy fucked up people and when you are in a foreign country (or even your own familiar country) you really have to be aware of your surroundings and the people you are with. Watch out for yourself and for your friends.

I pray that I never hear of something like this happening to anyone I know... or you know.

BiSC Recap

People have been asking me since I got home from Vegas how my trip was. I can sum it up in two simple words.

Absolute Magic.

I'll admit... I was a wee bit nervous when I first signed up. I kept saying to myself "Am I crazy? Am I really going to Vegas with a bunch of people I only know through the internet?". The night before I left I even had an anxiety outburst and thought my heart was going to beat out of my chest. It eventually went away... obviously.

But as soon as I landed in Vegas the magic took over.

It felt like a giant family reunion, like finally meeting that long lost cousin that your Aunt always said you would get along great with and you heard a million stories about but never met. Just like that.

I instantly felt welcomed and part of the family. And Nicole (who is AMAZING beyond words to have arranged all this) radiated with excitement which got everyone else even more excited.

Meet & Greet night was insanely fun. It was even better then I could have imagined. The part best was when you started talking to someone and a few seconds into the conversation you both recognize each others twitter names written on your arms (the @ tats) and say "OMG!!!!!! Its YOU!!!!" and the hugging and instant friendships began.

Through out the weekend I was blown away by the love. The "Vegas" part of it was ridiculously fun (acrobats, unicorns, Diamond Bob, fondue buffets, mojito's the size of my arm, dancing until my legs literally gave out on me, flashing lights and money-money everywhere), but to me it was the connections and friendships that were made which made this trip one of my favorite. Ever.

Every single person I met holds a special place in my heart. And I know for a fact that some of those people I will be friends with for years to come and I would, with out a doubt, travel for hours to visit them. And in turn would open my home to them if they came to visit me.

I want to thank all of you. You ALL made my trip so wonderful and special in your own way and I cant wait until next year!

Love is in the air...

So... remember last week when I posted about the "Dream Love List"? Well... when I posted that I knew a secret.

I knew that last night by best friends boyfriend was going to propose to her. And that he was going to do it at a restaurant. And that right after he caught her off guard and proposed to her, he would lead her blindfolded to a different room downstairs at the restaurant where 30 of their closest friends and family were waiting to surprise her and celebrate the magical moment.

It was spectacular. I talked to her this morning and she told me it was by far the greatest night of her life. That gives me chills. I was so beyond grateful to be able to help plan and pull off the big surprise.

I can't wait to help her plan her big day, the day we have talked/dreamed/planned about since we were 12.

I can't wait to see her marry the man of her dreams.

Love... is amazing.

The Dream Love List Continued

Yesterday I posted about "The Dream Love List" my best friend and I wrote when we were 17. I thought about it last night and bloggers share everything so.... here you go! The complete list:

1 - Have to be appealing

2 - Have to make you laugh

3 - Have a decent job

4 - Have to be able to dance

5 - Have a car

6 - Good family values

7 - Sense of style

8 - Act's the same around me and his friends

9 - Has an adventurous side

10 - Must be taller or as tall (my BFF is model-tall and always wanted someone taller then her)

11 - Like's to travel

12 - Is romantic

13 - Treats his lady like a princess

14 - Likes animals

15 - Listens when we talk

16 - Doesn't lie

17 - Doesn't cheat

18 - Shows his love for me in public

19 - Good kisser...

20 - Our parents approve

21 - Has his own dreams and goals

22 - Doesn't feel controlled by me

23 - Has other female friends that are just friends

24 - BIG HEART!

25 - Looks after himself and his belongings

26 - Not a perfectionist

27 - Has a good body

28 - Good hair

29 - Has his own interests too

30 - Has a life outside of me

31 - Respects everything about me

32 - Loves music

33 - Likes to have a good time (party)

34 - Security in his future

35 - Would like a family some day

36 - Creative

37 - Believes in and has his own traditions

38 - Likes quality time

39 - Doesn't mind shopping

40 - Is himself - doesn't put on an act

41 - Doesn't smoke

42 - Likes to try new things

43 - Isn't a player

44 - Has an education

45 - Should be around our age

46 - He knows when he is wrong and knows how to make up for it

47 - He is always intriguing

48 - Confident but not cocky

49 - Knows the value of a best friend

50 - Loves me for me!

Seriously... I think the list is great and the fact that we wrote it at 17 when all we cared about was boys and lipgloss just blows my mind. Now I just need to find someone who fits into it. What do you think about it?

The Dream Love List

A few years back... okay 10 years back (where does the time go??) my best friend and I created a "Dream Love List". It was a list of 50 things that we wanted in a perfect man. We were 17 when we wrote it so of course its written in blue marker and the pages are covered in glittery lips stickers. So. Freakin. Cool.

We made a pact (because thats what you do as best friends, pacts mean you're serious) that we wouldn't look at it until one of us got engaged or considered marrying someone. If they didn't fit the criteria, you couldn't marry them. Okay... maybe that seems a little harsh but we were 17, it was all or nothing.

The list got packed away with all the other old photos and everything else from our pre-adult years and we moved on with our lives.

Flash forward to a few weeks ago when I was going thru some of my things in my parents basement (actually, I was looking for my GOLD pants from an old disco costume to possibly wear to the Black/White/Gold party in Vegas... no luck in finding them though). But I did come across some papers folded together and tucked neatly in my yearbook. It was the Love List.

I had a little squeal of excitement and reminiscing and unfolded the papers. I instantly remembered what it was and knew I couldn't read the list with out my BFF there with me. So I took the list home and called her right away. She of course squealed in the same high pitched voice as me and said "DONT read it with out me!!". Thats why were BFF's, we get each other.

A few days later we were in the same place, at the same time, with THE list.

Now... although I am awesomely single, she is in a very long term relationship. Almost 8 years now. They are not married or engaged (yet...) but she knows for certain that she wants to and will marry him. We went thru the list with him in mind.

Shockingly he got 93%!!

It was like this list was written for him! We couldn't believe it! The things he didn't score full points on were sort of silly things like

- Treats me like a princess (he got 1/2 points because he doesn't quite do that ALL the time)

- Isn't a perfectionist (apparently we thought this was important at 17, i think one of us dated someone who was a bit OCD and we were hella-annoyed by it) (did i just say hella?? this flashback post is making me write like im 17 again too...)

But he got ALL the important ones right!

- Is close with his family

- Can dance (very important!)

- Is okay with acting silly sometimes

- Loves me for me

There are many more items on the list (44 more to be exact) and I am so happy for her that she has found what she has always wanted. It fills my heart with rainbows and unicorns and sugar plum fairies. I love her and it makes me so happy to see her happy.

It got me thinking... maybe I should bring the list with me everywhere I go and use it as an interviewing tool for potential boyfriends.

"So...Are you close with your family?

Yes? Okay good... lets see here...

In your opinion, what is the value of a best friend?

Hmmm.... Interesting...

Would you say you are the type of person who likes to try new things?

Yes? Please give an example of something new you have tried in the past month?

I see, I see.... what about dancing? Please provide a sample of your best dance moves.

That's enough, thank you. Please fill out your name and number on this form. Someone will be in contact you if we are interested in a second interview"

Its pretty much a flawless plan, don't you agree?

This is what happens when...

I am left working alone in an empty show home with no internet or phone for hours and the only thing I have is my MacBook.

I'm not vain. Just bored out of my mind.

Im sure the neighbors had a good laugh if they saw me.

(this one was actually taken at my house a while back but the "headless Mich" was too weird and funny to not include it.

Also... I plan on bringing my laptop to Vegas/BiSC so be prepared to take awesome pictures like this with me if you are going too! Two weeks! Woop Woop!!

Oh hey there!

Big news... I'm going to Vegas!!!

But not just for any typical Vegas weekend.

I'm going to Bloggers in Sin City bitches!!!!

I wanted to go last year but couldn't make it. I wanted to go this year too so I figured why the frick not? I'm only working part time right now since I'm still looking for a job after my broken leg/losing my job fiasco and I have all this free time on my hands. BiSC is an opportunity and I'm taking it!

I can't wait to meet all the other Bad Ass Bloggers and since some of them are new to Who-Is-Mich-land I thought this is a perfect time to (re)introduce myself.

Hi!! I'm Mich!

Mich as in fish, short for Michelle.

I'm from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Don't know where that is? Click here.

I've technically been blogging for about 6 years. I've had personal blogs, public blogs, shared blogs. You name it, I blogged it. Then about 2 years ago I started Who Is Mich?. It was exactly what I needed at the time and every step of the way since. It's where I come to speak my heart and mind. I where ask for advice from other bloggers (who are brilliant by the way!). And most of the time I write about things that in one way or another I simply enjoy.

About a year ago I felt like I needed to re-vamp my blog. It was all black and dark before, and when I started WIM, those colors suited my life at the time. But over the first year I had gone through so many changes and felt like I had become more happy, cheerful and in turn, more colorful. My blog needed to reflect that which is why its now so fresh and so clean, clean! I had also gone through a lot of heartbreaks and broken friendships over that first year and although I don't regret blogging about it, I felt that with the re-vamp I needed to delete the past and move on to better things. Sometimes I wish I saved those posts so I could look back and see how far I have come but I know it was the right decision at the time.

I met 2 of my best friends through blogging.

I am a gift wrapper extraordinaire.

I am the self appointed queen of the board game Apples to Apples and if I have room in my suitcase I'm bringing it. For serious.

You know the crazy person you see singing at the top of their lungs to themselves while driving? That was probably me.

I believe that ice cream is a perfectly acceptable breakfast food.

And I'm probably gonna photobomb a few of the BiSC pics just like this:

Can't wait to meet you all in person!!

Good Movies, Bad Movies, Way Too Many Movies.

6 weeks at home recovering from surgery on ones leg will lead to watching a lot of movies. In my case a disgusting amount of movies.

Here is a list of SOME (yes only some) of the movies I have watched over the last month. I linked all of them so if you don't know of the movie you can click on it and see what I'm talking about.

Angels & Demons

Battle in Seattle

Beauty & The Beast

The Bridges of Madison County (A classic that I hadn't seen before. I fell in love with both Clint and Meryl in it!)

The Color Purple (I had never seen the entire movie before. It is absolutely amazing. One of my favorites by far).

The Crazies

Crossing Over

Despicable Me (LOOOOVED IT!!!)

Due Date

Eat Pray Love

Everybody's Fine

Ferris Buellers Day Off (Claaaaaaaasssic!)

Grown Ups

The Hangover

Harry Potter 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 (I hadn't seen them before. They are alright. I talked with an english accent for hours after watching them...)

The Hours

Human Trafficking - Parts 1 & 2 (this was a movie I caught on TV that was so intense and terrifying. It has Mira Sorvino in it and if you ever come across it I highly suggest watching it)

In Her Shoes

Lady & The Tramp

Love & Other Drugs (It had its moments but there was too much of Anne's boobs all up in your face)

My Nanny's Secret (It has Haylie Duff in it... nuff said)

Sex & The City 1 & 2

Star Trek

State Of Play

Temple Grandin

The Town (I didn't think it was all that great... see What Doesn't Kill You below)

Toy Story 3

Unthinkable (disgusting...)

What Doesn't Kill You (this was a way better version of The Town if you ask me)

You Don't Know Jack

My top 5 must see movies from this list are:

The Color Purple

Despicable Me The Minions are my favorite part!

Human Trafficking (especially for women)

Temple Grandin

What Doesn't Kill You

I just did a quick calculation and thats over 70 hours of movies. I swear, once I break free (can walk again) I'm not going to watch movies for a LONG time.

The Inside Scoop on Pirate Beards?

I had this conversation via BBM this morning with one of my BFF's and just had to share it:

Me - Random question - do people with long beards wash them with shampoo?

Her - Hmmmm...

I hope so.

Hahahaha

Me - Hmmm I wonder.

Her - I love you. You just made my whole day.

Me - Next time I see someone with a long pirate beard I'm gonna ask them.

Her - Do it!!

I'm going to ask my dad later. He has lots of biker friends.

Me - Perfect! An inside scoop!

My question was answered this afternoon:

Her - Long beards need shampoo.

Me - How did you find out?

Her - My dad!

Me - Your dad is a brilliant man. Full of important knowledge.

Her - I know!!

Me - Now I know that if I ever decide to grow a full beard I will need to stock up on extra shampoo.

The more you know...